CJRL News

Council gets to work on 2012 budget today

2012-02-01T07:55:00.002-06:00

Councillors say they will be keeping an eye on the bottom line when they begin the budget process today.

Council has a pair of budget meetings scheduled at City Hall.

The first will deal with the 2012 capital budget.

That will be followed by a look at the solid waste and Sewer and Water budgets this afternoon.

Council has already decided that it will have to raise sewer and water rates by at least 10 percent this year to start to address an infrastructure deficit in the department.

Clarification provided on Eco Energy program

2012-02-01T07:54:00.000-06:00

Some clarification about the Eco-Energy efficiency program.

Reaction was swift after a Sunday announcement that the retrofit program would not continue until March.

The Office for Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the program has ended because it has reached its original target of 250-thousand registered homeowners.

Officials add that the Conservative Government is spending an additional 117-million dollars on grants for successful applicants.

People already signed up for the program have until June 30th to have their follow up home evaluation.

IJC Submits final report to the federal government

2012-02-01T07:53:00.002-06:00

It took about a month longer than expected to complete, but the

International Joint Commission has submitted its final report on the management of the Lake of the Woods Watershed to the government's of Canada and the United States.

Kelly Saunders was on the initial Task Force and she like a number of the recommendations that have been made in the report.

The report calls for a joint management board for the Lake of the Woods Watershed, as well as a summit meeting by 2015.

The final report still has to be approved by both the government's of Canada and the U.S.

Three people fined for Illegal moose hunting

2012-02-01T07:49:00.002-06:00

Three Dryden residents have been fined a total of 42-hundred dollars for illegal moose hunting.

Court heard that the three were hunting southwest of Dryden in December 2010 when they came upon a bull moose.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says Edward Smith left the vehicle and shot the moose while standing on the road.

The animal ran into the surrounding bush and was retrieved by the hunting party.

Edward Smith has been banned from hunting in Ontario for 2-years.

Lisa and Russell Smith are both banned from hunting for 1-year.

Ignace Mayor resigns

2012-02-01T07:48:00.000-06:00

A major vacancy to fill in Ignace.

Mayor Lee Kennard has announced his resignation.

Kennard was elected as a first term Mayor in 2010.

He adds it won't be easy leaving the community where he's lived for 35-years.

Saints lose in Overtime to the Muskies

2012-02-01T07:46:00.000-06:00

A heart-breaking loss for the Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team.

The Saints skated into Fort Frances last night and tied the league leading Muskies 6-6 after 60 minutes.

Overtime didn't settle anything, and Fort finally won in a shootout, which went to seven shooters.

Tanner Kapera had a pair of goals for the Saints, while Duncan McGilvary added a goal and two assists.

T.A. is back in action tomorrow night against the Sioux Lookout Warriors.

Beaver Brae splits with Fort

2012-02-01T07:45:00.000-06:00

Beaver Brae earned a split of its games against the Fort Frances Muskies in their first NorWOSSA Court sports activity since the exam break.

The Broncos senior girls volleyball team swept Fort yesterday at home, while the Beaver Brae junior girls needed five sets to subdue the Muskies.

It was a different story on the basketball courts as the Musky boys domintaed.

Beaver Brae's senior boys trailed by just one a the half, but ended up losing 40-26 to Fort.

The Bronco junior boys were able to keep it close, but dropped a 35-32 decision to the Muskies.

Increase in Fishing Violations South of the Border

2012-02-01T07:43:00.000-06:00

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeing a jump in fishing violations on Lake of the Woods this winter.

The DNR recently seized 234 walleyes and sauger for various violations on the Minnesota side of the lake.

Conservation officers investigated over 50 incidents last week ranging from over-fishing, to anglers fishing without a license.

NAN holds Conference on Energy

2012-01-31T11:56:00.002-06:00

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is hosting a three day conference on First Nation energy needs.

Area Chiefs will talk about energy issues, and what needs to be done to improve the energy distribution.

Speakers at the conference will include reps from the Federal and Provincial Governments and First Nations.

Northwest LHINs ready fro expanded role

2012-01-31T11:55:00.000-06:00

Ontario's Liberal government will give more power to local health agencies as it looks to overhaul the health system to lower costs.

Local health integration networks, or LHINs, will be given responsibility for family doctors.

Laura Kokocinski is CEO of the Northwest LHINs and says they are will to take on an

expanded role.

Kokocinski, says the organization is prepared to make it work.

Relay for Life Town Hall Wednesday night

2012-01-31T11:53:00.000-06:00

Wanted: volunteers for the annual Relay for Life in Kenora.

Tomorrow night a town hall style meeting will take place for anyone interested in helping out.

Lois Bailey is one of the co-chairs and says they have a number of positions that need to be filled.

The meeting will take place in the Kenora Rec. Center starting tomorrow night at 6:30.

Comfort Inn re-opens following flood

2012-01-31T07:49:00.001-06:00

The Comfort Inn in Kenora is getting an unexpected makeover.

The Sunset Strip motel sustained extensive water damage over the weekend after a water main broke causing extensive flooding.

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services Department was called out around 5:00 Sunday morning to help deal with the situation.

In the meantime, crews have been called in to replace damaged drywall and carpeting.

The motel has since re-opened its doors.

Kenora Residents Digging out from overnight snowfall

2012-01-31T07:46:00.000-06:00

It took a while, but Old Man winter has finally hit northwestern Ontario.

The Kenora area has received about 10 centimeters of snow since last night.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says the good news is the winter weather will be short-lived with warmer weather on the way.

Local highways are described as snow-covered with some slippery sections.

Crews are out this morning clearing local roads and sanding.

Caution is still advised, especially on secondary roads and side streets which haven't been plowed yet.

Feds pull the Plug on the EcoEnergy Program

2012-01-31T07:41:00.001-06:00

Environmental groups in northwestern Ontario say they are surprised that the Federal Government has cut short its registration period for the ecoEnergy for Houses program.

The program provides money to homeowners who make improvements to their home that will save energy.

Ellen Mortfield of EcoSuperior says the program was supposed to end in March.

People already signed up for the program have until June 30th to have their follow up home evaluation.

Tourism Kenora gets new sign

2012-01-31T07:36:00.000-06:00

Tourism Kenora now has a little higher visibility outside the city.

A large sign was erected at the Ontario Tourism bureau at the Manitoba border last week advising motorists that they can get visitor information at the Discovery Center in Kenora.

The sign was jointly funded by Tourism Kenora and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership.

Its hoped the new sign will bring visitors into town, who would normally just stay on the by-pass and sell them on the local attractions.

New Federal Riding Boundaries Expected this year

2012-01-31T07:28:00.002-06:00

New boundaries for federal ridings could be re-drawn later this year.

The federal government passed third reading of legislation to increase the number of ridings across Canada just before the Christmas break.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says its too early to say how the riding re-alignment will affect northwestern Ontario.

The Federal Riding Boundaries Commission is expected to begin the process of riding redistribution in February following the release of the Census.

Fort Club Wins Sunset Country Figure Skating Competition

2012-01-31T07:27:00.000-06:00

A good weekend for local figure skaters.

Kenora hosted the Sunset Country Regional Interclub Figure Skating competition.

The host Kenora Skating Club won 14 individual gold medals, five silver, six bronze, while the Keewatin Figure Skating Club earned 9 gold medals, 14 silver, nine bronze.

The Border Figure Skating Club from Fort Frances won the high point total trophy.

Broncos and Saints in Action tonight

2012-01-31T07:25:00.001-06:00

The Beaver Brae Girls hockey team will be looking to carry some momentum into their game tonight against Dryden.

The Broncos beat the Eagles in a tournament final over the weekend.

It was the Eagles first loss this season.

The two teams will play at the Thistle rink starting at 7:30 this evening.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team has a tall order tonight.

The Saints travel to Fort Frances to take on the league-leading Muskies.

Game time is 7:00.

Broncos finish 2nd at Junior KIT

2012-01-30T10:32:00.000-06:00

A silver medal for the Beaver Brae Junior boys basketball team at the Annual Junior K.I.T. over the weekend.

The Broncos finished with a 2-2 record after dropping a 56-23 decision to Kildonan East in the tournament final.

The Thomas Aquinas Saints placed fifth overall, losing all five of the games they played.

JM Judo Club wins five medals in Selkirk

2012-01-30T10:30:00.002-06:00

Five medals for the Jaffray Melick Judo Club at the Selkirk Open.

Kerwin Klywak won gold in his U11, 29 kilo divison.

Lyndon Hensrud won the U13, 34 kilo division, while Thomas Hertz rounded out the Gold medals winning the U15, 38 kilo pool.

Daniel Gordon and Luke Heatherington each brought back silver medals from the one-day competition.

Dennis injured in Belgium Competition

2012-01-30T10:29:00.002-06:00

Kaitie Dennis was stymied in her battle for a medal at the Belgium Ladies Judo Open over the weekend.

Dennis opened with a win against a Swiss Judoka, but was injured in her second round match against a German fighter.

Dennis compiled a record of three wins and two losses this past week at two international judo completitions.

OPP investigates Break-ins on Treaty Island

2012-01-30T08:51:00.000-06:00

The OPP is investigating a number of break-ins to camps on Treaty Island.

Scenes of crime officer were called out last Thursday and Friday after the break and enters were discovered.

Police are still compiling a list of items stolen, which includes a large screen T.V. and two all-terrain vehicles.

The OPP say the ATV's were later recovered after they had been abandoned.

Anyone who might have information about the break-ins is asked to contact the Kenora OPP or Crimestoppers.

Council getting ready to look at 2012 budget

2012-01-30T07:40:00.000-06:00

Kenora city council is expected to sit down this week and start work on the 2012 budget.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says they want to keep any increase as low as possible.

Chair of the finance committee Ron Lunny expects council will be able to pass the budget in the next couple of weeks.

M.P's head back to work today

2012-01-30T07:28:00.000-06:00

It's back to work for area Member's of Parliment.

thunder Bay-Rainy River M.P. John Rafferty says the Government's first day back is going to be focused on the economy and changes to pensions.

The Finance Minister has stated he doesn't plan a ``slash and burn'' budget but adds some departments may be asked to find more savings than first thought.

Kenora Curling Club Bullish on Big Events

2012-01-30T07:26:00.000-06:00

The Kenora Curling Club says its looking forward to doing some more high profile events in the future.

Over the weekend, the 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts wrapped up.

Gord St. Dennis was one of the organizers and says the reviews were very positive.

St. Dennis says they'll look bidding on other curling events in the future, including the National Seniors.

Horgan heading to Red Deer for National Scotties

2012-01-30T07:24:00.001-06:00

There's a new Ladies curling champion in Ontario.

Tracy Horgan's Sudbury foursome knocked off defending champion Rachel

Homan Sunday afternoon at the Kenora Curling Club in the final of the 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Homan went into the game without a loss and had beaten Horgan twice during the week.

Horgan says they just wanted to keep it close.

Homan had the hammer and a one point lead heading into the 10th end, but was heavy on her final shot, allowing Horgan to steal two points.

Horgan now heads to the National Scotties Tournament of Hearts next month in Red Deer, Alberta.

Broncos Girls win Gold in Pilot Mound

2012-01-30T07:21:00.001-06:00

Beaver Brae's girls hockey team is home with a gold medal from a tournament in Pilot Mound Manitoba.

The Broncos advanced to the A-Side Final on Sunday with a perfect 4-0 record.

In the gold medal game, Beaver Brae handed Dryden its first loss of the season, beating the Eagles 2-1.

Ainsley Lindquist was the tournament MVP, scoring in the final along with Hannah Rose.

Meanwhile, the Broncos boys hockey team continues to struggle against the Eagles.

On Friday, Beaver Brae lost its second in a row to Dryden, losing a 2-1 decision in a shootout.

Thomas Aquinas wins big in Red Lake

2012-01-30T07:20:00.000-06:00

Tanner Kapera had a big night for the Thomas Aquinas Boys hockey team.

He scored four goals and added two assists as the Saints came back to beat the Red Lake Rams yesterday 7-4.

It was T.A.'s first game back after the two week exam break.

Thistles lose two on the road in Stonewall

2012-01-30T07:19:00.000-06:00

The Kenora Triple A midget Thistles weren't able to make up any ground against the Interlake Lightning.

Yesterday, the Thistles dropped a 2-1 decision in overtime against the Lightning.

On Saturday it was the same result with Interlake edging the Kenora Midgets 2-1.

Horgan upsets Homan to win Ontario Scotties

2012-01-29T17:24:00.001-06:00

A big upset at the 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Tracy Horgan from Sudbury toppled the previously unbeaten Rachel Homan foursome from Ottawa 7-6 in Sunday afternoon's final at the Kenora Curling Club.

Homan had the hammer in the 10th end, but was short on her final draw, allowing Horgan to steal two, and the surprise victory.

Homan went through the round robin with a perfect 9-0 record and beat Horgan the day before 5-3 in the 1 versus 2 page play-off game.

Horgan now advances to the 2012 National Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Red Deer, Alberta

next month.

Fiecek Seeks to Defend Northern Wheelchair Curling Crown this weekend

2012-01-27T13:38:00.001-06:00

The Wayne Fiecek rink is looking to book another berth to the National Wheelchair Curling championships.

Fiecek is in action at the Northern Ontario Wheelchair Curling playdowns in Sudbury.

He lost 10-1 this morning in the first draw to Rick Prudhomme from Sudbury, and plays again at 2:00 this afternoon.

Play continues tomorrow.

Resolute meets with regional mayors

2012-01-27T13:32:00.000-06:00

Few details are being leaked about a meeting this week between

Resolute Forest Products and the mayors of four communties in northwestern Ontario.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield was joined by municipal leaders from Thunder Bay, Ignace and Fort Frances.

They met with company president Richard Garneau on Tuesday.

Canfield describes the discussion as very positive.

He says Resolute re-iterated its committment to its existing mills in this region.

However, the company also stressed the need to reduce costs.

Liberals Form New Riding Association

2012-01-27T13:29:00.002-06:00

Provincial Liberals in the Kenora-Rainy River riding are looking to increase its membership base.

A newly formed riding Association set its objectives following a recent meeting in Dryden.

It's president, Anthony Leek of Emo, says the main goal is to provide a link between the Riding and government.

Leek says the Association also wants to be better prepared for the next provincial election.

City Secures more Funding from Province

2012-01-27T07:57:00.000-06:00

The City of Kenora's finances should become a little clearer over the next few weeks.

The province has announced funding towns and cities will receive from the Ontario Municipal Partnership fund.

Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield says they will be getting just under 5.9 million dollars this year.

Canfield says the provincial government gave the city extra funding last year to help cover the disbandment costs of the Kenora Police Service.

Hudak Calls for More Trades training

2012-01-27T07:56:00.000-06:00

Tim Hudak says skilled trades people need a better apprenticeship program.

The Leader of the Provincial Opposition was in Thunder Bay yesterday to talk with students at Confederation College and says we are still living in the 70's when it comes to the apprenticeship program.

Hudak says we could see around a million vacancies by 2021 if things don't change now.

Woman killed in Red Lake House Fire

2012-01-27T07:48:00.000-06:00

One person is dead following a house fire in Red Lake.

OPP and the Red Lake Fire Department were dispatched yesterday morning to a blaze on Forestry Road.

The home was completely engulfed in flames and was destroyed.

Police 49-year-old Virginia Keesic of Red Lake died on scene.

The cause is still under investigation but OPP say the fire isn't suspicious.

Ice Conditions Variable

2012-01-27T07:47:00.000-06:00

If you're planning to go out ice-fishing this weekend, you might want to check conditions on the lake first.

There have been reports of large ice ridges opening up on Lake of the Woods on the ice road.

One large ridge has been reported near St. Helena's by Holmstrom's Marsh.

The warmer weather in recent days has created some fairly changable conditions and caution is advised.

Drug Bust in Cat Lake

2012-01-27T07:28:00.000-06:00

Nishnawbe-Aski Police have arrested an individual who has strong ties to the Native Syndicate gang.

Police executed a search warrant on a Cat Lake First Nation residence and officers found about 400-dollars worth of oxycodone and 18-hundred dollars cash.

Three firearms were also found at the scene, including one, which has been linked to an on-going investigation.

Police say Paul Mezzetay faces 3-counts of careless storage of a firearm, possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime charges.

Sarah Mezzetay faces similar charges and Knobby Wesley has been charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Broncos and Saints in Action after Exam Break

2012-01-27T07:26:00.002-06:00

Local high school hockey teams are back in action this weekend after a two week exam break.

The Beaver Brae and Thomas Aquinas girls hockey teams are heading to Pilot Mound, Manitoba today for a tournament.

Both teams are in action this afternoon at the Pembina Lady Tigers Tournament.

Meanwhile, the Bronco Boys start the stretch run in the NorWOSSA regular season on the road.

Beaver Brae is in Dryden tonight to face the Eagles.

Homan Continues to Roll at Ontario Scotties

2012-01-27T07:25:00.000-06:00

The Rachel Homan Rink continues to lead the way at the 2012 Ontario Scotties at theKenora Curling Club.

Homan improved to 7-0 yesterday with wins over Sherry Middaugh and Cathy Auld.

Andrea Ronnebeck is Homan's coach and says the team can be tough to beat when they get on a roll.

Missisauga's Cathy Auld is tied with Tracy Horgan from Sudbury for second with a 5-2 record.

Middaugh improved to 4-3 and is tied with Krista McCarville from Thunder Bay.

Middaugh beat McCarvilled 7-5 in last night's late draw.

Today is the final day of the round robin with draws at 2:00 and 7:00.

Survivor of North Spirit Lake Plane Crash talks about Ordeal

2012-01-27T07:17:00.000-06:00

The lone survivor of a deadly plane crash in northwestern Ontario says he tried in vain to pull fellow passengers from the wreckage and snuff the fire that eventually destroyed the small aircraft.

Brian Shead says the crash near the tiny native community of North Spirit Lake happened in a flash.

He says one second he was reading a book, and the next second he was on the ground fighting for his life.

He says the impact of the crash knocked him and the four other people on the plane out and when he came to everyone was still strapped in their seats.

With a crushed foot and a smashed face, he managed to get out of the plane and tried to put out a fire that was burning on a wing.

When her realized that wasn't working, he managed to free the pilot, but he didn't survive.

Public Consultations on Lakewood Next Month

2012-01-26T10:18:00.002-06:00

The future of Lakewood School will be the subject of a couple of community consultation sessions next month.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School board will be seeking some feedback on the future use of the elementary school.

There is a proposal to turn Lakewood into an adult learning center.

The first consultation session will take place on February 6th, followed by one at the end of the month on the 27th.

Both will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 in the Lakewood cafeteria.

Kenora to Host Sunset Country Regional Figure Skaters

2012-01-26T10:17:00.000-06:00

Hotel rooms will be at a premium this weekend in Kenora.

A couple of major sporting events are going on.

The Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts wraps on Sunday, while Kenora is getting ready to play host to the Sunset Country Regional Figure Skating Competition.

Roxanne Daigneault is the coach of the local club and says they are expecting a big turn-out.

Skating begins tomorrow at noon at the Thistle Rink and wraps up on Sunday afternoon.

Survivor of North Spirit Lake Plane Crash holds Press Conference

2012-01-26T07:26:00.000-06:00

The lone survivor of a plane crash earlier this month in the northwestern Ontario First Nation of North Spirit Lake will speak to the media today in Winnipeg about his experience.

Thirty-six-year-old Winnipeg man Brian Shead was among five people on a Keystone Air Service plane that crashed while trying to land at North Spirit Lake January 10th.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board.

Treaty Three Raises concerns about Ottawa Summit

2012-01-26T07:24:00.000-06:00

Grand Council Treaty #3 says it has some reservations about this weeks summit between aboriginal leaders and the federal government.

Grand Chief Diane Kelly was in attendance, and says while she was encouraged by the prime minister's day long participation, she was less enthused by some of the comments by the Assembly of First Nations.

She says Treaty Three has distinct traditions and customs and a tradtional government that has existed longer than Canada.

She's worried that the Joint Action Plan between the Assembly of First Nations and the Government of Canada could jeopardize that.

Mount Evergreen Opens for PD Day

2012-01-26T07:21:00.003-06:00

A couple of options for kids this PD day.

Mount Evergreen Ski Club is opening up today to accomodate students looking for something to do.

The Chalet will open at 8:00 this morning for breakfast, while the tows will be open from 10 until 4:00 for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.

The chalet will remain open until 5:00.

Albanese Re-Elected Chair of Health Unit Board

2012-01-26T07:20:00.000-06:00

A Fort Frances councillor is back as the head of the Northwestern Health Unit Board of Directors.

John Albanese has been re-elected as chair.

Julie Roy was selected vice-chair

Fort Frances councillor Paul Ryan, Margaret Harland of Red Lake and former Emo Reeve Russ Fortier were also returned to the board.

OPP arrest one man following chase near Marathon

2012-01-26T07:18:00.000-06:00

A 21 year old Saskatoon man faces a number of charges following a brief chase with police on the Trans-Canada Highway between Marathon and Terrace Bay.

Justin Joseph Chaisson was one of two people in a stolen vehicle that ended up in a ditch following a police pursuit.

He has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over five thousand dollars, breach of probation and fleeing police.

Highway 17 was closed for several hours while police searched for a second suspect.

The OPP says they are no longer actively searching for him, but the the Crime Unit has been brought in to continue their investigation.

Holman remains unbeaten at Scotties

2012-01-26T07:16:00.000-06:00

The Rachel Homan foursome continues to lead the pack at the 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Homan won both of her games yesterday to improve to a perfect 5-0 record.

In last night's fifth draw, the Ottawa rink upended Tracy Horgan from Sudbury 9-3.

Krista McCarville of Thunder Bay and Cathy Auld of Missasauga a just behind in the standings at 4-1.

McCarville won both her games yesterday, including a 10-3 rout over Kathy Brown.

Auld also won both of her games on Wednesday, finishing the day with a 7-5 win over Jenn Hanna.

There are two more draws today at 2:00 at 7:00 at the Kenora Curling Club.

ORNGE Jobs Safe in NWO

2012-01-25T16:11:00.002-06:00

There are no cuts being made to ORNGE posts in Northwestern Ontario.

18 jobs were cut at the Province's air ambulance headquarters in Mississauga.

The cuts are being made as a way to reduce costs.

The restructuring only affects office positions and not pilots or paramedics.

Homan off to a fast start at the Ontario Scotties

2012-01-25T11:49:00.004-06:00

The Rachel Homan rink holds down top spot at the 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts entering day three.

Homan has a 3-0 record, and is followed closely by five other teams at 2-1.

Homan says its important to get off to a good start.

Homan takes on the winless Alison Nimik Rink from St. Thomas in this afternoon's fourth draw.

Sherry Middaugh has a must-win game today as her 1-2 rink takes on another former Ontario champ, Jenn Hanna at 2-1.

Sunset Trail Riders

2012-01-25T10:27:00.000-06:00

Snowmobile trails in the Kenora District are opened on a limited basis.

Shaun Clifford of the Sunset Trail Riders says although the trails are passable, extra caution is always advised no matter the time of year.

For updated trail reports or to track the groomers via GPS visit sunsetrailriders.ca

Softwood Lumber Agreement

2012-01-25T06:58:00.000-06:00

The federal government has renewed the Softwood Lumber Agreement with the United States with hardly any opposition.

The deal was extended for two years until 2015.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says the agreement does provide some market certainty for
producers.
Both the Ontario Forest Industries Association, the Council of the Quebec Forest Industry and
Forest Products Association of Canada have all endsorsed the two year extension.

Treasury Metals

2012-01-25T06:56:00.000-06:00

A peaceful protest was held at the Treasury Metals site near Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation this afternoon.

Wabigoon has attempted to seek a memorandum of understanding with the company for mining rights in the area.

Chief Ruben Cantin Senior says a deadline of last Thursday to receive a response from Treasury has passed with no response.
Cantin stresses they aren't against mining on traditional territory but adds that an agreement must be reached first.

ORNGE

2012-01-25T06:55:00.000-06:00

ORNGE has reportedly slashed 18 jobs effective immediately.

According to media reports, the province's air ambulance service says it's an effort to reduce costs.

But it says the restructuring only affects office positions and not pilots or paramedics.

Emergency Room Staff

2012-01-25T06:54:00.000-06:00

Kenora-Rainy River's MPP is trying to get Ontario's Health Minister to visit the riding.

Sarah Campbell says the ongoing struggles to keep the Rainy River Medical Centre's emergency room staffed was among reasons behind her request to Deb Matthews.

Campbell says one of the plans needed is a better strategy that helps communities, hospitals and clinic cope with their physicians leaving suddenly.

Kids For Cancer

2012-01-25T05:18:00.000-06:00

The Canadian Cancer Society should get a big boost this spring.

The Kids For Cancer hockey tournament has so far registered 24
teams.

Dean Caron is one of the organizers and says that's the highest
number of teams they've ever registered.

The deadline to register is January 31st by contacting Dean Caron at
mailto:31st.dkcaron@shaw.ca or by calling 548-3070.

The tournament will take place from March 26th to April 1st.

Ronnebeck adds local Flavour to Homan Rink at Scotties

2012-01-24T16:12:00.000-06:00

No local teams are in competition this week at the Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts, but there is a Kenora flavour to the Rachel Homan rink from Ottawa.

Homan is the defending Ontario Ladies champions and their coach is Kenora resident Andrea Ronnebeck.

Ronnebeck admits its going to be a tough week of curling for her squad.

Homan won her first draw last night against Thunder Bay's Krista McCarville.

Homan takes on Kathy Brown at 2:00 this afternoon in the only battle between 1-0 teams.

Dennis Wins Bronze in Wales

2012-01-24T11:51:00.000-06:00

A bronze medal for a Kenora Judoka at the 2012 Commonwealth Judo Championships taking place in Cardiff, Wales.

Kaitie Dennis won her final match this morning, defeating a Welsh fighter for third place in her division.

Dennis lost her semi-final match against a girl from Northern Ireland earlier in the day.

So far Canada has won three bronze medals, and three fighters will be going for gold later in the day.

Next up for Dennis is the Belgium Open Ladies Judo Championships this weekend.

Scotties results day one

2012-01-24T09:40:00.000-06:00

Former Ontario champions Sherry Middagh and Jenna Hanna were among first draw winners at the provincial women's curling championship opening last night in Kenora.

Thunder Bay's Krista McCarville lost her opening game, 7-4 to defending Ontario champ Rachel Homan of Ottawa 7-4.

Cathy Auld from Mississauga and Kathy Brown from the Toronto area were also first round winners.

Second draw action goes this afternoon at 2:00 at the Kenora Curling Club.

The third draw is at 7:00 this evening.

Nations Aboriginal Leaders in Ottawa

2012-01-24T08:58:00.000-06:00

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says he's eagerly awaiting today summit in Ottawa with the nations aboriginal leaders.

Rickford is the parliamentary secretary for Aboriginal Affairs and has a major role in the event.

He says there are some substantial issues up for discussion such as education and housing.

Rickford is acting as co-emcee for the opening ceremonies.

He adds that the drummers at the opening ceremonies are all from Treaty Three.

The Poverty Challenge

2012-01-24T08:56:00.000-06:00

50 dollars in seven days.

That's how much participants in this year's Poverty Challenge will have to live on this year.

Dan Jorgensen is spokesperson Making Kenora Home and they want to give local residents an idea on how hard it is to live on a fixed income.

The Poverty Challenge will start February 9th and run to the 16th.

Making Kenora Home is just finalizing the 12 participants who will be

taking part next month.

The NeeChee Friendship Center

2012-01-24T08:54:00.000-06:00

The NeeChee Friendship Center is getting funding from the provincial government for renovations.

The province has earmarked eight million dollars over three years to fix up 17 native
Friendship centers across Ontario.

NeeChee will be getting 250 thousand dollars to fix up its building on Railway Street.

The funding is part of a provincial infrastructure initiative.

Keewatin Mischief

2012-01-24T08:52:00.000-06:00

For the second weekend in a row, the OPP are investigating a mischief incident in Keewatin.

On Friday, Police were called out to a home on Wharf Street.

The OPP say someone gained access into the crawl space of the home and unplugged
a couple of heaters.

As a result the water pipes froze and then broke.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.

Jon Thompson

2012-01-24T08:50:00.000-06:00

A Kenora writer has been honored as one of the top 20 under 40 years of age in Northwestern Ontario.

Jon Thompson was one of six regional award winners at the 1st Annual Visionary Awards Ceremony held over the weekend in Thunder Bay.

A total of 66 people were nominated for the awards.

Thompson is a reporter for the Kenora Daily Miner and News.

Fall Airport Commission

2012-01-24T08:48:00.000-06:00

Fall Airport Commission wants to know your opinion of air service out of International Falls.

Commission Chair Bob Anderson says they're in the midst of a survey as they await a federal decision regarding Great Lakes Aviation's plans to take over service from Delta.

Anderson says the survey has been distributed to thousands of users across Minnesota and northwestern Ontario.

Ontario Scotties Gets Underway this Evening

2012-01-23T11:32:00.001-06:00

Teams are warming up for the start of the 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Curling gets underway this evening at the Kenora Curling Club with the first draw.

Rachel Homan of Ottawa is the defending Ontario Ladies Curling Champion, but doesn't feel

she's the favorite this week.

A total of 10 teams are seeking a berth to the national Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Red Deer, Alberta in February.

The opening ceremonies will start at 6:30 this evening, with the first draw at 7:00.

OPP Release Name of Thunder Bay teen killed in Crash

2012-01-23T11:27:00.000-06:00

A 17-year-old is dead following a two vehicle collision on Highway 11-17 east of Ignace.

Thunder Bay OPP say a Chevy Uplander collided with a transport just before 5 o'clock Sunday morning.

Police say the driver of the car, Matthew Gibbons of Thunder Bay, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The two occupants of the tractor trailer were not hurt.

No charges are expected to be laid.

HNO Receives Funding for Head Injuries

2012-01-23T11:24:00.001-06:00

The Federal government is providing money to help reduces the severity of head injuries in kid's sports in Canada and across this region.

Director of Hockey Northwestern Ontario Trevor Hosanna says the Feds are providing 1.5 million dollars for a new project.

Hosanna says the APP will give information on preventing and identifying concussions.

Police Lay more Drug Charges

2012-01-23T11:21:00.002-06:00

A 31 year old Kenora man faces drug charges following a bust by the Kenora Drug Unit and the OPP's Criminal Enforcement Bureau.

Police say they executed a search warrant on an Ottawa Street home in Keewatin on Friday.

Fifty codeine pills, some Methadone and small amount of Morphine was seized.

Joey Icton faces counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Dennis in Wales for Commonwealth Championships

2012-01-23T11:20:00.000-06:00

A local member of the Jaffray Melick Judo Club is getting some international fighting experience this week.

Kaitie Dennis is in Cardiff, Wales this week for the 2012 Commonwealth Judo Championships.

She's competing in the 20 and under division and will see her first action tomorrow.

She received a first round bye in today's opening round.

Following the Commonwealth Championships, Dennis will heading to the 2012 Belgium Ladies Open Judo Tournament in Arlon.

Manitoba Hunting Ban

2012-01-23T06:51:00.000-06:00

Conservation officials have widened a temporary ban on moose hunting in eastern Manitoba to allow the animal's population to rebound.

The ban stretches from Lake Winnipeg to the Manitoba-Ontario boundary.

Officials say the region's moose population has declined by almost half since 2006 due to disease and predation by wolves and bears.

The ban also applies to aboriginal hunters.

Last March, the province announced $800,000 for a population recovery plan to restore moose numbers to sustainable levels.

Stan Beardy heads to Ottawa

2012-01-23T06:47:00.000-06:00

First Nations Leaders are heading to Ottawa for Tuesday's meeting with Stephen Harper.

Nishnawbe Aski Grand Chief Stan Beardy will be there to discuss treaty rights.

Beardy says they hope to establish what he calls a renewed and meaningful relationship with the Government of Canada.

Beardy adds that when they signed treaties, they expected to be treated as equals.

Trans Canada Highway Collision

2012-01-23T06:27:00.002-06:00

A 17 year old Thunder Bay resident is dead following an accident on the Trans Canada Highway near Pineview Rd.

OPP say the teen was the driver of a Chevy Uplander van which collided with a tractor trailer unit just before 5 o'clock early Sunday morning.

The youth was pronounced dead at the scene.

The two occupants of the tractor trailer were not hurt.

Police say it's speculated that no charges will be laid.

Bus Crash in Sioux Lookout

2012-01-23T06:26:00.002-06:00

Everyone on board a school bus in Sioux Lookout escaped injury following a collision on Friday afternoon.

The Northwestern Ontario Student Services Consortium says a bus was travelling on 7th Avenue and a car didn't stop at the intersection.

The vehicle clipped the back end of the bus.

The students were checked by paramedics and transfered to another bus.

Centennial Centre in Sioux Lookout

2012-01-23T06:25:00.000-06:00

The old Sioux Hotel is now the new Centennial Centre.

Brian MacKinnon is Sioux Lookout's Community Development Coordinator and says thousands of dollars was spent on revamping the downtown building.

MacKinnon adds that Council's vision for the facility involves the fusion of youth, arts and cultural development.

Ontario Scotties ready to Rock the Kenora Curling Club

2012-01-20T16:06:00.000-06:00

A bit of an economic boost for the City of Kenora.

The 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts comes to town next week.

Sue Loewen is co-chair of the event and says while their reserved seating is sold out, there are still lots of good seats available.

Curling will begin on Monday night, with the finals set for the following Sunday at the Kenora Curling Club.

Snow Sculpture Competition set for the Greenbelt

2012-01-20T16:01:00.000-06:00

The Kenora Harborfront is going to be transformed over the next few weeks.

A number of large boxes have been installed on the greenbelt and will become snow sculptures.

Heather Paterson from Tousism Kenora says the wood boxes will be filled with snow this weekend.

Paterson says they are now accepting applications for the snow sculpture competition.

February 7th is the final day to enter.

Doors Open to Return in 2012

2012-01-20T15:58:00.000-06:00

Doors Open is coming back to Kenora.

The two day event allows local residents and visitors to tour local heritage landmarks.

This years Doors Open will be held in conjuction with Trails Open.

The Kenora Urban Trails Association will be showcasing the Mink Bay

Wetlands and the new and improved Rabbit Lake Trails.

Doors Open will be taking place the last weekend of September.

OPP Investigate Train Collision in Upsala

2012-01-20T11:37:00.000-06:00

The OPP is investigating a collision involving a train and motor vehicle in Upsala.

Police say the accident took place just before 11:00 this morning at a CP rail crossing.

The Upsala Ambulence and Fire Department responded to the accident.

The lone occupant of the vehicle was airlifted by helicopter to hospital in Thunder Bay for treatment.

The extent of his injuries have not been released.

Thistles Host Central Plains this weekend

2012-01-20T11:33:00.000-06:00

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles will try to snap a four game losing skid tonight.

The Thistles are hosting the Central Plains Capitals for a pair of games.

The Capitals have 27 points on the season, one more than the Thistles.

Game time tonight is 7:30 at the Thistle Rink.

The same two teams will match up again tomorrow night at the Rec. Center.

Pikangikum First Nation School

2012-01-20T08:51:00.000-06:00

It's back to school time for kids in the Pikangikum First Nation.

A number of elementary and secondary classes were cancelled earlier this month because of mould problems in the teacher's living quarter.

Chief Jonah Strang says the band was able to co-operate with the Federal Government to bring in some new trailers and clean up the mould in some of the existing homes.

He says students from kindergarten to Grade 8 are already back at school, and secondary school pupils will be back next week.

Strang says a cold snap should make the ice road solid enough to bring the trailers in over the next few days

Sioux Lookout Departments Merge

2012-01-20T08:47:00.000-06:00

Restructuring in Sioux Lookout.

Council has agreed to combine the Public Works and Development Services Departments.

A second Public Works management position within the Public Works Department has been eliminated.

The restructuring is expected to save the Municipality roughly 100-thousand dollars annually.

Peter Moyer will become the Director.

ScotiaBank Commercial

2012-01-20T08:45:00.000-06:00

For the second time in less than a year, a local hockey team is getting some national

exposure.

The Kenora AA PeeWee Thistles are being featured this weekend in a commercial for ScotiaBank.

The Thistles were included in the intro to a Hockey Night in Canada game last spring.

Portions of that video are now being included in a new TV ad for Scotiabank.

The ads will begin airing this Saturday on CBC and also at Cineplex Theatres across
the country on February 3rd.

Cancer Care Northwest

2012-01-20T08:43:00.000-06:00

The cancer situation in northwestern Ontario is a good news/bad news story.

The bad news is that cancer rates are on the rise across the region.

Vice-president of Cancer Care Northwest, Michael Power says the disease seems to cut across all age groups.

Power says more people are getting cancer because people are living longer.

Sioux Lookout Drug Bust

2012-01-20T08:42:00.000-06:00

Four Sioux Lookout residents face possession for the purpose of trafficking charges following a drug bust in the community.

OPP searched a Meadwell Crescent home and located 13-hundred dollars worth of pot, a quantity of cash and 3-firearms.

45-year-old Sharon Bunting has also been charged with careless storage of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm.

OPP say 29-year-old Ricky Machimity and 18-year-old Ryan Sapay face charges of possession of property obtained by crime.

Police say 22-year Ryan Machimity faces the one count of possession charge.

Cliff Natural Resources

2012-01-20T08:41:00.000-06:00

Cliff Natural Resources has released its 2012 Capital investment plan and it includes some major numbers for the Ring of Fire.

The document pegged mine development at 150 million, 800 million for the concentrating plant and 1.8 billion for the processing plant.

The company says it anticipates early work to start in 2014 with most of the development happening later that year and into 2015.

Resolute Forest Products

2012-01-20T08:39:00.000-06:00

Resolute Forest Products is seeking reduced manning numbers at the Fort Frances mill.

This comes as the company is making preparations to return to pulp production later next week and resume paper production on one machine beginning the first week of February.

CEP National Rep Steve Boon said they are still trying to determine the impact for CEP Local 92 and 306.

Resolute Company spokeperson Pierre Choquette would neither confirm nor deny the report, saying only that the company is facing market uncertainty but is looking forward to getting one machine back into production.

Fire Destroys a transport near McMunn

2012-01-19T13:24:00.001-06:00

Fire has destroyed a semi-tractor trailor unit on Highway 1 in Manitoba near McMunn.

The RCMP in Falcon Lake were contacted about the blaze around 8:00 this morning.

Police say the driver of the rig noticed a mechanical problem and pulled over in a parking lot and discovered the fire.

He tried to put it out, without any success.

Local fire crews were finally able to bring the blaze under control.

The Mounties say the rig is a total loss, but both the driver and a passenger from Ontario managed to escape unharmed.

The Trans-Canada remained open while emergency crews dealt with the fire.

Vaudeville in Kenora

2012-01-19T09:14:00.001-06:00

Until February 25th, The Lake of the Woods Museum is home to a traveling exhibit.

Vaudeville comes to us from the Peterborough Museum and features a few staples in Canadian history like archive pictures from the Ballsillie collection,

Braden Murray of the Lake of the Woods Museum says “You don’t want to miss tomorrow’s grand opening at the First Baptist Church”

Fan favorites like the Kenora Circus Kids will be on hand to entertain as well as Olivia Wynne and Wayne Kelso.

Performances start at 7:30 tomorrow night at the First Baptist Church. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets to the show can be purchased at the museum or at the door for $10 a piece.

Lake of the Woods District Hospital Expenses

2012-01-19T07:58:00.000-06:00

Lake of the Woods District Hospital says new reports show they are running a tight ship.

The hospital is now required to post the expenses of its management staff on-line.

Chief Executive Officer Marc Belcaen says they are very careful with how they spend hospital money.

Belcaen had the highest expenses of hospital employees at just over 31 hundred dollars last year, including travel and accommodations while attending out-of-town conferences.

Winter Road Network

2012-01-19T07:55:00.000-06:00

The Provincial Government is spending 4.7-million dollars on the winter road network in the Far North this year.

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci says over 3-thousand kilometres of road will connect 29-First Nation communities.

Individuals and businesses will be able to use the roads until the Spring thaw, usually in mid-March.

The McGuinty Government has invested a total of 30.7-million dollars in the winter roads program since 2003.

Plan Nord

2012-01-19T07:51:00.000-06:00

There are some envious leaders in Northwestern Ontario after they heard a presentation on Plan Nord, an economic blueprint for Northern Quebec.

Harold Wilson is with the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce and says it shows we have some catching up to do

Plan Nord is a 25 year program designed to get 80 million dollars invested in Northern Quebec.

Annual Business Awards

2012-01-19T07:48:00.000-06:00

The Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for its annual business awards.

The Chamber has released the nominees for this years awards.

A total of 48 businesses and individuals have been nominated in 12 different categories.

Ray-solar was the most nominated business and is up for Environmental Business of the Year,
the Best Home Based Business, and best new business.

Three people are up for this year's Mayor's award, including Pat Brett, Mort Goss and Collette Surovy.

The Business Awards will be handed out on February 15th at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

OPP on Local Highways

2012-01-19T07:43:00.001-06:00

The OPP is concerned with the number of fatal accidents reported across northwestern Ontario so far in 2012.

Through the first two weeks, 17 people have been killed, including two here on Highway 17 between Kenora and Dryden.

Sergeant Shelley Garr admits poor weather conditions are partly to blame for the increase in accidents.

The OPP say at the same time last year there were eight fatal motor vehicle collisions, which is
less than half the number reported for far in 2012.

Provincial Police across Northwestern Ontario are set to increase enforcement on local Highways.

UNESCO

2012-01-19T07:42:00.000-06:00

A United Nations group will soon consider whether to grant special status to the boreal forest along the
Ontario-Manitoba boundary.

The two provinces, along with the Pikangikum First Nation, want the region northwest of Kenora, declared a world heritage site. Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger says the recognition would be a big boost.

The provinces and First Nations are now submitting their bid for recognition, which would be considered as early as this spring.

Quit Smoking

2012-01-19T07:39:00.000-06:00

Smokers and other addicts who want to quit will get help from the provincial government.

The government will spend 4.5 million dollars over the next three years through the public drug benefit program.

It will help nearly 23-thousand people.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says addicts undergoing treatment will get free over-the-counter nicotine gum and patches, as well as counselling.

Health Canada Website

OPP investigating Keewatin Mischief complaints

2012-01-18T11:41:00.002-06:00

The OPP are investigating a number of mischief complaints received over the past few days.

Police says over the weekend, they received a number of vandalism complaints in Keewatin.

A number of windows were smashed and property damaged on Ottawa Street.

Anyone with information about the mischief is asked to contact the Kenora OPP or Crimestoppers.

SIU looking into Dorion fatality

2012-01-18T11:40:00.002-06:00

A man is in hospital in Thunder Bayafter he shot himself on Tuesday.

OPP were called to the Dorion cutoff area to speak with a man who had barricaded himself in his truck with a gun.

Sergeant Shelley Garr says the S.I.U. has taken over the investigation.

During the interaction with the police he shot himself.

Plane Crash Survivor improving

2012-01-18T11:39:00.000-06:00

The sole survivor of a recent fatal plane crash that killed four people in northwestern Ontario has undergone surgery on his left ankle and foot.

Thirty-six-year-old Brian Shead of Winnipeg was the lone survivor of the January 10th crash of a Keystone Air Service twin-engine plane into North Spirit Lake.

Irene Shead says all things considered, her son's foot injuries and broken nose are minor and she's grateful that he will heal.

Killed were the plane's pilot and three employees of a Winnipeg-based First Nations office.